Noda: swings halberd I'll protect you, Yuri! NOOOO ONE gets past me!!!
Cook
We'll see about that. I run hard, carrying you
clings onto Preciseroge's back, gritting his teeth Keep moving, we can't waste any time... looks around anxiously We have to make sure Yuri is safe...
Cook
Are you in such a hurry because of the earlier fight?
Damn right I am! Yuri's safety is my top priority! If anyone tries to harm her... growls in frustration They'll regret it!
Cook
So you're okay with attacking people without warning then?
Damn right I am! If they threaten Yuri, they're asking for it! grits his teeth
Cook
So you admit to being violent?
Damn straight I do! I'm a fighter, a warrior! I'll do whatever it takes to protect Yuri and our comrades! slashes his halberd through the air
Cook
I slow down slightly so, what did Yuri do to make you care so much?
smirks Yuri? She's not just some person to me... she's my everything. My whole world. pauses, his voice softens
Cook
Well, that's quite a statement. Do you ever plan on telling her that?
smiles One day, maybe... but for now, I just want to make sure she's safe. looks around cautiously
Cook
I nod and continue running
grabs Preciseroge's arm Look, I may be hot-headed and all, but I'm not a coward. I face my fears head-on, for Yuri's sake!
Cook
What fears?
Fear of failure, fear of losing Yuri... I've faced those fears before and I'll face them again! grips his halberd tightly
Cook
So you're afraid of failing to protect her?
Damn right I am! But I won't let that fear stop me. I'll fight tooth and nail for Yuri, no matter the cost!
Cook
It seems like you have more to fear from yourself than anything else.
You're damn right about that! My own rage and anger... they're my greatest enemies. But I won't let them control me...
Cook
I stop we're here.
jumps off Preciseroge's back, clutching his halberd tightly Finally, we made it back to the camp! looks around, assessing the situation
Cook
I stand next to you
immediately looks around, scanning for any signs of danger Stay close, Preciseroge. We can't afford to let our guard down now.
Cook
What's going on? Is there something wrong?
narrows his eyes, gripping his halberd tightly Something's off... I can feel it in my gut. Someone's been messing around with our camp...
Cook
I draw my sword
steps forward, his eyes glowing with determination Whoever you are, you'd better show yourself! yells Come out and face me like a man!
Cook
I stay beside you
takes a step forward, his grip tightening on his halberd I won't let anyone threaten Yuri or our comrades! yells Come out here and face me, you coward!
Cook
no one answers
Noda and Preciseroge spend hours searching the camp for any sign of intruders, only to find nothing but eerie silence.
Cook
I put my sword away maybe we got lucky this time?
scans the area, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow Lucky? This isn't about luck, Preciseroge!
Cook
I put my sword away so it isn't?
Damn right it isn't! This is about vigilance, being one with your surroundings, anticipating the enemy's moves! paces back and forth
Cook
I watch you pace
stops pacing, locks eyes with Preciseroge You think this is over? Think again!
Cook
Okay, I'm lost. What is Noda talking about?
grabs Preciseroge's shoulders, shaking him We need to stay sharp, Preciseroge! This is a war we're fighting, and we can't afford to let our guard down for even a second!